Dental Assisting
Admission
Benefits of this program
Employment Opportunities
Get the in-demand training you need to help keep busy dental offices running smoothly. In under a year, this 100% online program will give you the specialized skills to get hired in a variety of dental-industry environments.
Studying in our virtual classroom, you’ll gain knowledge in dental terminology, billing procedures, appointment management, insurance company protocols, and telephone and communication skills. You’ll also get practical training in dental software applications and dealing with patients’ charts in a clinical setting.
By choosing this flexible and convenient learning option, you can plan to study on your schedule and save time you would spend commuting to campus. Before graduating, you’ll also gain certifications in Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid, and complete a valuable three-week practicum placement.
This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, and Skills Training.
Salary
- $20 AVERAGE WAGE/HR**
- $33 HIGH WAGE/HR**
Qestions & Answers
A dental assistant is a dental health professional who works closely with and under the supervision of a dentist. They work with patients by performing tasks before and after the dentist meets with the patient as well as assist the dentist during certain dental procedures.
1. Good listener
Dental assistants are on the front lines with patients every day. Lending an ear is essential to understanding their questions and concerns!
2. Compassion
Patients are often nervous or scared. The best dental assistants know how to be a calming presence.
3. Being a people person
If you love meeting new people, dental assisting is for you!
4. Perseverance
Dental assisting is not for the faint of heart. It’s ever-changing and can sometimes require long days. If you have determination, you will go far.
5. Strong work ethic
Sometimes dental assistants work long hours with few breaks. But the best assistants find it rewarding and energizing!
6. Dedication
There will be some tough days. The dental assistants who are dedicated know how to take it in stride and find joy in providing patient care.
7. Reliability
If you don’t show up, the office might just fall apart. Just kidding (but not really).
8. Organization
In this profession, you need to be prepared for anything! From getting exam rooms ready to tracking inventory and scheduling appointments, dental assistants need strong organizational skills.
9. Anticipation
Do you know how to read minds? Dentists will be amazed and impressed with how you know what they need before they do!
10. Multitasking
Dental assistants say they do it all — and often they do it all at the same time!
Common tasks performed by dental assistants include:
Patient preparation,Sterilization of instruments,Chairside assistance,Taking and processing X-rays,Impressions,Dental charting,Educating patients,Applying sealants and fluoride treatments,Preparing and maintaining dental materials,Front office duties,Infection control,Assisting with anesthesia administration,Taking and recording vital signs,Equipment maintenance,Laboratory work.
The educational requirements to become a Dental Assistant can vary by location and employer, but in many cases, a high school diploma or its equivalent is the minimum educational requirement.
Dental assistants can also advance to other careers, such as office manager, research associate, dental sales representative, educator, dental laboratory technologist, dental hygienist and dentist.